Via Zoom
Seamus Campbell, President of IND, opened the meeting. He provided a summary of some relevant recent events, including:
- The arrest of Brad Lander
- The Supreme Court decision upholding a ban on transgender care
- The nationwide “No Kings” protests
- WNYC noted that the 52nd AD had the highest early voting turnout in NYC.
Seamus encouraged members to sign up for shifts at the polls, but also asked everyone to be aware of the heat wave and stay safe.
Assemblymember JoAnne Simon provided a brief update on the State budget. There is uncertainty because of a potential $13 billion cut. The LICH bill, which would allow community input when hospital closings are proposed, passed but it is not known if the governor will sign it.
The Assembly member’s office has been unusable because of ongoing construction. Currently, the office has been relocated to St. Francis College.
State Senator Andrew Gounardes noted some “glimmers of hope” in the budget. Three pieces of legislation related to responsible technology passed. He is hoping to pass legislation to curb reckless driving.
Susan Liebman, one of IND’s endorsed judicial candidates, thanked IND for the support.
Juliet Howard asked for IND’s endorsement for her run as a municipal court judge. Joan Millman moved to endorse Juliet Howard. The motion was seconded and passed.
Cody Bileau, representing Justin Brannan, thanked IND for its endorsement of his run for comptroller and asked for additional support.
Olivia O’Brien, representing Maya Kornberg, thanked IND for its endorsement of her run for city council and asked for additional support.
Carlos Calzadilla, President of the Brooklyn Young Dems, congratulated Seamus, who was recently honored by the organization, after serving as one of its founders.
Seamus encouraged all members to check the IND website calendar for the many activities related to the primary campaigns.